ShoCore just want to rock, not change the world

The name ShoCore has been all the buzz this year on the Vancouver music scene, but dont call them a buzz band.

The term is a popular one with executive types who frequent the NewMusicWest Festival each spring, but the title doesnt seem to hold much weight, considering many such acts have faded away within only a year of the attention.

"Yeah, I was in one of those bands," says ShoCores frontman, Cory White. "Its just one of those industry things. If people like the music, I think thats what its all about."

Until 1999, White had been one of two lead singers for DDT. Its no secret that his split from the band was less than amicable (he found out from a friend that his bandmates intended to show him the door), but all of that was just preparation for something bigger.

Admittedly, White sat on his ass for a few days, feeling sorry for his bruised ego. Then came a phone call from Sho Murray, guitarist for the now-defunct Nefro. Murray lured White into the studio for a little fun. Just a year later, that fun is ShoCore.

"That experience has made me want to have more control," laughs White, cautious of how quickly ShoCores first single, Bonecracker, has crept up the charts. "We recorded the whole album, (
Devil Rock Disco,
due out Sept. 4), before any record company involvement. We created the record we wanted to make."

But it didnt take long for the industry to catch on. Winning Vancouvers Seeds 2001 competition started the ball rolling and soon after ShoCore was snapped up by the hot new Toronto-based label, Linus Entertainment. Those with their ear to the vinyl will recognize the name of Linus President and CEO, Geoff Kulawick, as a previous force with Virgin/EMI Canada. Kulawicks reputation is stellar, with the majority of the acts he has signed going on to achieve at least gold status. Needless to say, several artists in development at EMI were distressed to see him leave.

"Thats why we went with him," laughs White.

ShoCore is definitely the act not to be missed on Whistlers SkateSpace stage. ShoCore always promises to be more than just a few guys with guitars. Critics have been kind to their multi-elemental sound and presence, which is like being hit over the head with the weight of Nine Inch Nails and then being slapped in the face with the attitude-rich rap of Limp Bizkit hyped up on dance adrenaline  and thats before the waterpistol-wielding girls in pasties and the pyrotechnics.

White says the band  rounded out by Stevie Ericson on guitar, Paul Floyd on bass and Chon Chikara looking after the samples  is flattered by all the positive comparisons and analysis of their music, but in the end, they just play music they love.

"We just wanna rock out! Were not a political band. We dont want to change the world with our record. You know, we grew up listening to Kiss. We love Kiss. Maybe well go for the full make-up thing. Our dancers will be Whistler, theyre like part of the band now. But Whistler will have to be a slightly toned-down show."

Toned down indeed. Past shows have included whipped cream, consumed off of various body parts of their female dancers, perhaps not appropriate to Whistlers powers-that-be and the resorts family orientation.

"Yes, I had to sign a contract promising no nudity and no swearing. It doesnt bother me, but I should say that several of us (in the band) have kids, theyve seen the show a few times and they dont care. We did our show at the corner of Granville and Georgia in front of CFOX in the middle of the day. Old and young were there and they didnt care."